Ozzie Guillen returns from suspension

lost wages to be donated

Marlins manager: "I've hurt a lot of people, and I hurt myself.'

April 17, 2012|By Juan C. Rodriguez, Sun Sentinel

MIAMI — He walked through the clubhouse, surveyed the throng of reporters, and asked no one in particular if this was the World Series.

Far from it, but in a sense it still felt that way for Ozzie Guillen when he emerged into the dugout Tuesday afternoon and nestled himself in front of several dozen local and national media members armed with every manner of recording device.

Back in uniform Tuesday after serving a five-game suspension for comments about Fidel Castro, Guillen spoke for about 20 minutes in English and later addressed the Spanish press for another 15 or so. He still feels horrible because of all those he hurt and offended.

"The only thing is how do I guarantee or what do I do for people to believe [in me] again?" Guillen said. "We're in the process of doing that. It's a process that's going to take some time, hopefully less than what I think…We're going to do a lot of good things [in the community], not to buy my credibility. I think what I'm going to do for them is the least I can do.

"This isn't, 'Let's buy the child a toy so he doesn't cry anymore.' What I want is to walk around Miami with my head high, and for people to know my head is high because I don't feel guilty. I feel remorseful."

The Marlins plan to donate the wages Guillen lost during his suspension (about $150,000) to Cuban rights causes and other charities related to Cuban-Americans. Guillen also wants to be a visible presence in the Cuban exile community and make it known he's 100 percent behind them.

So far, Guillen has not been the target of negative feedback or catcalls in public, and at no time has he feared for his safety. Outside Marlins Park before Tuesday's game, one protestor was present with a sign he chose not to brandish.

"I've hurt a lot of people, and I hurt myself," Guillen said. "Sometimes I've though if I'm going to be the same. Will I be the same with the press? Will I be the same person? There are a lot of questions I've asked myself. Is it going to happen again? No.

"I hope people keep supporting this. It's something very good, a new stadium, a new team with a lot of desire to win. We're going to take advantage and try to do the best job we can. Hopefully, when I'm sitting here in October, you'll see the smile on my face and the people will be smiling and feeling proud."